Understanding the Twelve-Matthew

“9 As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him.”

Matthew 9:9

Out of the different men that we have studied, we have been able to use examples found in Scripture to identify their personalities. However, today we will be discussing a man whom we will learn more about based on the book that he wrote. Today, we will be discussing Matthew.

Matthew 9:9 depicts Jesus calling Matthew, also known as Levi, to follow Him. At the time, Matthew was a tax collector. Being a tax collector was often depicted as the lowest of the low, right alongside harlots. “32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.” Matthew 21:32. As a tax collector, Matthew was secure financially but despised socially. And yet, when Jesus called to him, he left his riches behind to follow Jesus alongside others who fit in more with society. I do want to point out here the redeeming qualities that following Jesus has. Despite being from a group that was hated, there is no record of any of the other disciples telling Jesus that Matthew should not follow Him. They saw what Jesus saw: a man who was a sinner just like them, who needed a savior just like them. Interestingly, there is no record of the other disciples questioning Jesus’ calling of Matthew, but when a rich man questions Jesus, the disciples point out that it is hard to believe that riches do not guarantee salvation (Matthew 19:23-28). When Matthew is called, the other disciples knew that he was willing to follow after God just as they were.

Now, to better understand Matthew, we need to look at his book. The beginning of the Gospel presents Jesus as the Davidic King who has come to fulfill the Old Testament prophecies. However, the Gospel moves on from there to discuss God's continuing work of salvation within Israel. This continues to extend towards all the peoples of the earth through the person and work of Christ. The Gospel continues into the minute details of Jesus’ relationship with Israel and also with individuals. This builds a foundation that would be seen in the other Gospels of Jesus as the focus. The Gospel ends with the great commission for evangelism and mission.

Through the topics discussed, we can see that Matthew knew the Old Testament very well and was perhaps one of the most well-versed of Jesus’s disciples. But despite all his knowledge, Matthew is a humble man who sought to keep the focus on Jesus. I think he emplifies Jesus saying “the first shall be last and the last first” (Matthew 20:16). Matthew knew that because of his background, many would be displeased about listening to him. But this does not stop him; he keeps the focus on Jesus and allows Jesus’s actions in Matthew’s own life to help direct individuals to God.

Matthew is an example for us today that, despite what our background is, we can be of use to God and to spread His word. Matthew also serves as a reminder that worldly riches will not provide the comfort that we seek; we need to listen, and when Jesus calls us, we need to be willing to lay aside everything to follow Him.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex